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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
September 4, 2006
(9/1/2006)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 9/4/06
* * * * FLASH FLOOD AVISORY: PEMA Warns Residents To Be Ready * * *
With heavy rain forecast for parts of the Commonwealth this Labor Day weekend, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is reminding Pennsylvanians to consider taking steps to protect lives and property from flooding.
* Conservation Districts, Tax Credits for Conservation Topics of Senate Hearing
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a hearing in York this week to hear comments on legislation to update the conservation district law and to provide tax credits for farm and conservation projects as part of the Committee’s Farmers First Agenda.
* On the Senate/House Agenda
The House Local Government Committee will hold a meeting next week to consider House Bill 2063 providing for multi-municipal Planning Code implementation agreements.
* Land Trust Assn Conservation Easement Assistance Program Grants Available
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association reminded land conservation organizations they can apply any time for Conservation Easement Assistance Program grants through the Association.
* New Federal Pension Protection Act Offers Incentives for Land Preservation
In the odd way of politics, the new Federal Pension Protection Act helps protect family farms, working forests, wildlife and water with added tax benefits, but only through 2007, according to the PA Land Trust Association.
* CBF Asks Court to Overturn Ruling Allowing Development on Preserved Land
To ensure that protected land cannot be developed, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision allowing the Ephrata Area School District to build a road on farmland preserved with a conservation easement. The CBF brief supports Lancaster County’s appeal of the decision.
* PA Sustainable Agriculture Assn. Hosts Harvest Celebration, Fall Harvest Dinners
The PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture will hold two special dinners on September 15, the annual Harvest Celebration Dinner in Harrisburg at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and the Fall Harvest Dinner at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.
* Cove Manure Digester Receives Grant for Pilot Test
The Cove Area Regional Digester recently received a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Commission to conduct a 60-day Pilot Test of the proposed technology for the regional manure digestion and treatment facility to be located in Martinsburg, PA.
* Deadline for Federal EQIP Energy Cost Assistance Grants Extended
The deadline for completing environmental projects to qualify for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program energy cost assistance has been extended until December 29, according to Craig Derickson, State Conservationist.
* Pennsylvania Doubling its Purchase of Green Electricity
Gov. Rendell this week announced the Commonwealth has doubled its green electricity purchase to 20 percent from 10 percent.
* EPA Becomes First Federal Agency to Be Powered By 100% Green Energy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has closed a deal making it the first federal agency to purchase renewable energy, or "green power," equivalent to 100 percent of its annual electricity needs.
* Alternative Energy Educator Workshop Set for October 11
Educators are invited to a free “Introducing Alternative Energy” workshop on October 11 at the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary and the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center in Harrisburg.
* BioCycle Hosts Renewable Energy From Organics Recycling Conference in October
BioCycle Journal, based in Emmaus, Pa is hosting its Sixth Annual BioCycle Conference on Renewable Energy From Organics Recycling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 30, 31 and November 1.
* Household Hazardous Waste Collection Nets 35,000 Pounds of Waste
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force household hazardous waste collection last Saturday resulted in collecting over 35,000 pounds of household hazardous waste in Butler County, and more events are planned.
* Free Test Kits, Oil Tank Cleanup Services Available Until September 8
Flood victims who wish to take advantage of free water well testing kits should contact the Department of Environmental Protection’s regional offices prior to September 8.
* 92.7 Percent of Wild Trout Caught Are Released by PA Anglers
Two newly-released Fish and Boat Commission/Penn State University studies found that the state’s trout anglers have high catch rates and high release rates as well. In fact, most trout caught in Pennsylvania’s waters are released, in turn extending and improving recreational fishing opportunities.
* Share Your Vision for the Connoquenessing Creek Watershed in September
The team preparing the watershed conservation plan for Connoquenessing Creek in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties is inviting residents to public meetings in September to share your future vision for the watershed.
* First Ever Lake Erie Sojourn Set for September 8-10
The first ever Lake Erie Sojourn will be held September 8-10 starting at the Lake Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County.
* Middle Creek Wildlife Area to Host Wildfowl Show September 16-17
The Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area will host its 20th Annual Middle Creek Wildfowl Show on September 16-17. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
* Stream Restoration Workshop to be Offered in Meadville September 13
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and its partners will host a French Creek watershed streambank restoration workshop September 13 to discuss funding opportunities for landowners addressing streambank erosion and revegetation projects.
* Chesapeake Bay Meaningful Watershed Education Grants Due October 15
Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay School District is offering $2,500 Mini-grant program. Funding provided through the Federal B-WET Mini-grant Program.
* River of Words Educator Workshop Set for November 4
There will be a River of Words (ROW) Workshop for educators on November 4 to introduce participants to this international art and poetry program focusing on ways to incorporate nature and the arts into their own work with children.
* Wild About Fish Educator Workshop September 27 in Carbon County
The Fish and Boat Commission and Carbon County Environmental Education Center will offer a Wild about Fish Workshop for teachers and other educators on September 27.
* FallinPA.com Features Live Webcams, Foliage Reports, PA Fall Roadtrips
Planning a fall foliage roadtrip? Check out Pennsylvania's www.FallinPA.com, it's one of the nation's most complete fall foliage websites with roadtrip itineraries, live interactive webcams and features to help plan a getaway.
* State Parks Open for Early Goose Hunting September 1
Pennsylvania State Parks again will allow Canada goose hunting during the state's early season beginning September 1 and running through September 25.
* Pennsylvania Wilds Discovery Weekend Offers Outdoor Adventure
Wishing for an end of the season adventure to remember on cold winter days? How about an exciting Discovery Weekend at a Pennsylvania State Park that includes tagging butterflies, studying owls and night sky investigation?
* Latest State Parks and Forest Foundation Tag Features Bobcat
Artwork depicting a McKean County bobcat is featured on the newest commemorative tag now available to residents and visitors who would like to show their support for the 12-county northcentral region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds.
* Help Wanted: Recycling Markets Center Looking for New Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center announced the resignation of Warren J. Weaver, its President and Executive Director, and has begun a search for his replacement.
* Opinion - From Environmental Activists to Active Environmentalists – Today’s Environmental Movement
By David E. Hess, Former Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state.
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations - DEP Unveils Preliminary Changes to Mercury Emissions Reduction Rule
At a joint meeting of three advisory groups this week, the Department of Environmental Protection unveiled its preliminary recommendations for changes to its proposal to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants in response to pubic comments.
* Regulations
The Department of Environmental Protection published proposed regulations governing mine opening blasting. Comments are due: October 2.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
There were no new guidance documents published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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